It Is Written's A Better Way to Live video podcast.

The Ultimate Arbiter of Truth — March 16, 2010

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Summary: The message of Christ and the commission He gave the church has remained unchanged for nearly 2,000 years. When you hear a new biblical theory that sounds out of balance with the wider message of the Bible, be sure to go back and test it with the Word of God.

Verse: "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars."
—Revelation 2:2

Distractions — March 15, 2010

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Summary: Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of the actual mission that God gave the church—to seek and to save that which was lost. As distractions keep us from our real purpose as a church, it's crucial to return to the issues that are of eternal importance.

Verse: "As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."
—Colossians 2:6-10

The Bible: Food for Thought — March 12, 2010

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Why are Christians often portrayed in the popular media as unsophisticated simpletons? The truth is, the Bible is anything but simplistic. It's some of the very best food for thought available! It deals with the loftiest themes ever debated —human morality, ethics and the meaning of life.

Verse: "Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."
—Psalm 119:129-130

*****************************************************************
TO WATCH (OR READ) A FULL PROGRAM ON THIS TOPIC, VISIT THIS PAGE:
"Better Than Crutches"
http://www.itiswritten.com/tvprogram/episode/2009/02/1110

Playing It Safe — March 11, 2010

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Why do we often assume that the promises of God are good for other people, but not for us?

Verse: "The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest. Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this 'play-it-safe' who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.'"
—Matthew 25:26-28

Worship Him Who Made Heaven and Earth — March 10, 2010

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: One simple statement in this verse gives us the foundation for the worship of God. He is our Creator, and no other person or object that people worship can compete with that claim!

Verse: "You alone are the Lord; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all things on it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You."
—Nehemiah 9:6

*******************************************************************************************
PASTOR BOONSTRA TO APPEAR ON THE MICHEFF SISTERS' COOKING SHOW TODAY
To learn more about today's "A Taste of Thai" program and to find viewing times, click here: http://www.itiswritten.com/news/2010/03/taste_of_thai

The 10 Horns of Daniel 7 — March 9, 2010

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: As the book of Daniel moves through a stunning progression of world empires, it's easy for modern readers to forget that Daniel actually wrote these things in advance. It's amazingly accurate—with concrete, detailed language. As such, what can this verse teach us about world history and its relationship to the Bible?

Verse: "Thus he said, 'The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.'"
—Daniel 7:23-24

The Depths of the Sea — March 8, 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Once you've asked God for forgiveness for a sin, He delights in mercy and "throws your sins into the depths of the sea." But unfortunately, many of us dive into the trench to dig them back up. How can we rid ourselves of the keepsakes from the wreckage of our old lives?

Verse: "Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
—Micah 7:18-19

God's Expectations — March 5, 2010

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: It's sometimes easy to become discouraged—thinking that we can never live up to God's expectations. But the good news is that perfection is God's concern and cooperation is ours. Don't let your sin-stained life stand in the way of a new life with God.

Verse: "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'"
—Matthew 25:24-25

God as a Teacher — March 4, 2010

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Throughout our lives, God sends lessons our way to help steer us toward Him. Many of us miss the lessons that matter most and give up opportunities to be molded into someone well-equipped to live in the kingdom of God. But if we pay attention and listen to His voice, we'll discover a better way to live!

Verse: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil."
—Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

"The First Begotten of the Dead" — March 3, 2010

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What exactly does the Bible mean when it says that Jesus is "the first begotten of the dead"? Weren't other people raised from the dead before His resurrection?

Verse: "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood."
—Revelation 1:5

Sunset to Sunset — March 2, 2010

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Whenever we use something manmade, it invariably has imperfections. But God's methods—including His timetable—are perfect. The most important things in God's world aren't hard to figure out, and they offer us a better way to live.

Verse: "Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day."
—Genesis 1:3-5

God's Prophetic Promise — March 1, 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: It's interesting to note how God delivers bad news in the prophetic books of the Bible. The manner in which God tells the story is very important.

Verse: "Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; and of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom."
—Daniel 7:19-22

The Goalposts of Morality — February 26, 2010

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: We've come to a point in society where we've trained ourselves to find redeeming qualities in activities that were once clearly understood to be outside the parameters of God's will. How can we keep ourselves from rationalizing our sins?

Verse: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
—Isaiah 5:20

The Parable of the Talents — February 25, 2010

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: This famous story says something important about our relationship with God. With the sacrifice of Jesus, God made a considerable investment in our salvation. And He wants us to grow as we explore the new life that is ours through Jesus.

Verse: "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'"
—Matthew 25:24-25

Obedience — February 24, 2010

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Sometimes when people think about obedience, they conjure up a mental picture of someone begrudgingly doing what they're told. But that's not the picture of obedience that the Bible paints!

Verse: "My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."
—Proverbs 3:1-3

Hope in the Face of Frustration and Disappointment — February 23, 2010

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: You've probably had your fair share of frustration and disappointment. In this devotional, you'll discover one short phrase in the Bible that can give you hope today.

Verse: "These great beasts, which are four, are four kings which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever."
—Daniel 7:17-18

God's Abundant Grace — February 22, 2010

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: If you read the Bible carefully, you'll make a remarkable discovery: God is not stingy with His grace!

Verse: And in that day you will say: "O Lord, I will praise You; though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; 'For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He also has become my salvation.'" Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
—Isaiah 12:1-3

The Things Which God Has Prepared for Those Who Love Him — February 19, 2010

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Almost every time the human race has tried to predict the future, we've been wrong. Thankfully, God hasn't left the future up to us. In the Bible we get a sneak peek into the future, and it's so good it defies the imagination!

Verse: "But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.'"
—1 Corinthians 2:9

"The Unveiling" — February 18, 2010

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: The book of Revelation is meant to give us hope—it shouldn't be frightening or intimidating. In this book we get to follow Jesus into sacred territory, and we get to see God's master plan for us.

Verse: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John."
—Revelation 1:1

Spiritual Gifts — February 17, 2010

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What does the Bible say about spiritual gifts? How do they fit into God's plan?

Verse: "It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money."
—Matthew 25:14-18

God's Invitation for Us to Be Involved in His Work — February 16, 2010

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: God showed Daniel a sweeping vision of world history and then waited for him to ask what it meant. He wanted to pique Daniel's curiosity and engage him. The same happened with Moses and the burning bush. God wants us to be curious about and interested in His work.

Verse: "I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made me know the interpretation of the things..."
—Daniel 7:15-16

God's Throne in Heaven — February 15, 2010

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: The subject of God's throne is mentioned over and over again in the Bible. Why does that topic come up so often? Does its really matter where He sits?

Verse: "The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting."
—Psalm 93:1-2

Feeding the Hungry — February 12, 2010

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Many of our grandparents and great-grandparents knew what it was like to go to bed hungry. Nowadays, we might feel like we're "going without" if we only have one TV or car. But with the recent economic downturn, more and more people are going to bed hungry. With this growing need around us, the words of Jesus in this verse should strike home for the believer.

Verse: "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"
—Matthew 25:37-40

The Context of the Whole Bible — February 11, 2010

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Many times, people will pick and choose certain verses in the Old Testament to "prove" that God is severe and that He metes out arbitrary punishments. As Christians, what should we make of that argument?

Verse: "And I said: 'I pray, Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, please let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against You. Both my father’s house and I have sinned.'"
—Nehemiah 1:5-6

"The Friend of God" — February 10, 2010

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Out of all the people who were living on Earth at the time, why did God select Abraham, and why was he given so much responsibility?

Verse: "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was called the friend of God."
—James 2:23

The Son of Man — February 9, 2010

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Jesus is the Son of God, but in the Bible He is also called the Son of Man, because He stands at the head of the human race. He faced down the grave and beat it, and now we have the opportunity to join Him in Heaven for eternity.

Verse: "I was watching in the night visions, and behold, One like the Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed."
—Daniel 7:13-14

The Love of God — February 8, 2010

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: We could spend the rest of eternity studying the love of God and never reach the end of the subject. We haven't come close to exhausting the riches that await us as we study the sacrifice God made when Jesus died for our sins on the cross.

Verse: "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
—Ephesians 3:14-19

No More Sickness or Death — February 5, 2010

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Today we'll look at a Bible passage that many people claim as their favorite. On this Earth, we're still living in a deep freeze of sin that only dimly resembles what God had in mind. The good news is that in Heaven, we have an eternal summer to look forward to where there will be no more sickness or death.

Verse: "'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.' Then He who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new.' And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.'"
—Revelation 21:4-5

His Eyes Are on the Sparrow — February 4, 2010

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: God is deeply interested in His creation and there's nothing that escapes His notice—even a little sparrow. The point He is making in this verse isn't how valuable sparrows are, but how valuable you are. He cares about every aspect of your life, including the little things!

Verse: "Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
—Luke 12:6-7

A Solid Place to Stand — February 3, 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When God says something, you can take it to the bank. The Bible is a solid place to stand as you plan your life.

Verse: "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 'All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.' Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you."
—1 Peter 1:22-25

Heavenly Adoption — February 2, 2010

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: God has invited us to join His family through the immeasurable gift of Christ. A door has been opened to a new relationship, and we can claim God Himself as our Heavenly Father.

Verse: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
—John 1:12-13

Dealing With Frustrations Within the Church Family — February 1, 2010

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What is Paul's advice for dealing with frustrations within the church family?

Verse: "Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God."
—Romans 15:5-7

The Master Designer — January 29, 2010

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: As we bask in God's presence—as we spend time with Him—we actually become more like Him.

Verse: "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?'"
—1 Corinthians 15:51-55

The Rise and Fall of Human Kingdoms — January 28, 2010

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: The vision of Daniel 7 shows us history from God's perspective—the rise and fall of human kingdoms.

Verse: "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time."
—Daniel 7:11-12

The Great Controversy — January 27, 2010

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: It's interesting to note that in this passage, it doesn't say "if trouble comes"—it says "when trouble comes." What is the Great Controversy and how does it relate to this verse?

Verse: "Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught."
—Proverbs 3:25-26

No Case Too Hopeless — January 26, 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When the final judgment arrives, it will be too late to start the appeal process. But the good news is that we have time today to make an appeal through the cross of Christ. There is no case too hopeless for God.

Verse: "He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work."
—Revelation 22:11-12

A Biblical Perspective on the Earthquake in Haiti — January 25, 2010

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: While the words of Jesus found in this chapter have always been sobering, the recent earthquake that devastated the nation of Haiti has made them especially pertinent. Our prayers are with the people of Haiti.

Verse: "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."
—Matthew 24:7-8

Jesus, Our Advocate — January 22, 2010

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When human history finally winds down and the books are opened, what will people see when they look at your life?

Verse: "I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened."
—Daniel 7:9-10

Waiting Patiently for Heaven — January 21, 2010

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: You and I have been steeped in sin for so long that we don't even recognize it half the time, but what was it like for Jesus to come and live in our sinful world as a human being? What can His example teach us?

Verse: "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
—Hebrews 4:15-16

Banishing Worry From Our Lives — January 20, 2010

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: For many people, Jesus' command to stop worrying seems like a really tall order. Do you find it hard to turn the world off, especially during this economy? How can we apply this verse to our lives?

Verse: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
—Matthew 6:25-27

The Remarkable Details of Daniel 7 — January 19, 2010

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Today we will explore another remarkable prediction made in the book of Daniel. While world events continue to baffle the brightest minds on the planet, there really is Someone who has it all figured out. God knows the end from the beginning, and we can take comfort in that fact.

Verse: "I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things."
—Daniel 7:8

The Recollection of Sin — January 18, 2010

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Since all of our deeds and words are recorded, does that mean that God wants to humiliate us with the memory of them? What happens when we take our sins to God? Should we focus on our sins of the past?

Verse: "Again, when I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of his sins which he has committed shall be remembered against him; he has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live."
—Ezekiel 33:14-16

The Day of Rest — January 15, 2010

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: God created a special day of rest and restoration just for us!

Verse: "And they said to me, 'The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.' So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven."
—Nehemiah 1:3-4

Pain and Suffering — January 14, 2010

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Why do we have pain and suffering in the world? Suffering is not a part of the natural order of things. God's heart aches as He sees us hurting. In fact, Jesus spent a lot of time healing people during His earthly ministry. With God, nothing you suffer from is ultimately terminal, and that fact can give us hope today.

Verse: "And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease."
—Matthew 10:1

The Beast With Iron Teeth — January 13, 2010

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: In Daniel 7, which empire is represented by the beast with iron teeth?

Verse: "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns."
—Daniel 7:7

A Calculated Risk — January 12, 2010

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Jesus took a calculated risk when He came to Earth. But He went willingly to the cross for "the joy that was set before Him." That joy was the thought of you being reunited with the Heavenly Father. No price was too high and no risk was too big.

Verse: "He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name."
—John 1:10-12

Prophetic Conspiracy Theories — January 11, 2010

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Each year, new prophetic conspiracy theories pop up on the Internet. Many of these theories string together random facts or quotes, but we must take care to read the books of the Bible in their context and in their entirety.

Verse: "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.' And He said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.'"
—Luke 10:17-18

The Leopard in Daniel's Vision — January 8, 2010

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Today we'll take a look at one of the most astonishing prophecies in the Bible. What does the leopard of Daniel 7 represent? What is the significance of its wings?

Verse: “After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.”
—Daniel 7:6

Emulating Others— January 7, 2010

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Why do human beings have such a strong urge to be like someone else? Who should we be imitating?

Verse: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
—Genesis 1:26-27

Our Cravings for Excitement — January 6, 2010

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: One of the big problems facing the human race is our disregard of the moral laws of God. Thankfully, our situation is not a hopeless one. The good news is that we have a loving Creator who specializes in conquering death and sin.

Verse: "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others."
—Ephesians 2:1-3

"Insiders" and "Outsiders" — January 5, 2010

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What does Paul mean when he refers to people being on the "outside"?

Verse: "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time."
—Colossians 4:5

The Bear in Daniel's Vision — January 4, 2010

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Which empire does the bear in Daniel 7 represent? What is the significance of the three ribs in its mouth?

Verse: "And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!'"
—Daniel 7:5

What Is Truth? — January 1, 2010

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When Jesus stood trial in front of Pontius Pilate, He was asked one of the most important questions the world has been grappling with for thousands of years: What is truth? How does this question impact our lives today? In this devotional, you will also get a fun homework assignment that can re-energize your Bible study life.

Verse: "You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, which You have sworn to our fathers from days of old."
—Micah 7:20

Discovering Real Meaning in Life — December 31, 2009

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What do you want the rest of your life to look like?

Verse: "The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."
—Psalm 90:10

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GOSPEL AND SAVE A LIFE!

Tax-deductible giving opportunities from It Is Written:

Provide the Bushmen (San people) of the Kalahari with clean drinking water via solar-powered water systems.

Save four lives in Vanuatu with one $10 mosquito net!

Support It Is Written's upcoming series in the heart of Rome.

Make an eternal difference in the Arctic!

Share the blessing of A Better Way to Live with others!

You may make your gift via the links above or mail it to: It Is Written, Box O, Thousand Oaks, CA 91359 or call 1-800-479-9056

The Whole Armor of God — December 30, 2009

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: What was Paul talking about when he emphasized putting on the whole armor of God?

Verse: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
—Ephesians 6:10-11

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, GIVE THE GIFT OF THE GOSPEL AND SAVE A LIFE!
Tax-deductible giving opportunities from It Is Written:

The Filters Through Which We View the World — December 29, 2009

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: We each approach the world with our own set of filters. All our experiences lay down neural pathways, and whatever we see and hear is somewhat molded based our personal history. This verse is a Messianic prophecy that points us forward to Jesus. It says that He can see the whole truth of a matter and isn't so quick to make a decision based on first appearances.

Verse: "There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears."
—Isaiah 11:1-3

Comfort and Peace — December 28, 2009

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Verse: The night Jesus was born and the angels sang, an unmistakable note of comfort swept over history. God's hand is outstretched to you today. Will you grasp it?

Summary: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'"
—Luke 2:13-14

Gabriel's Message to Mary — December 25, 2009

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: When Gabriel told Mary that she was highly favored among women, she felt troubled with feelings of inadequacy. Throughout history, God has often called on people who have a godly, humble character. That's why we should take the angel's message to heart—even though we may feel like we don't stack up, God has big plans for us.

Verse: "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, 'Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!' But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'"
—Luke 1:26-30

A Few Moments Beside the Manger - December 24, 2009

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Although this is a well-known story, its staggering message never ceases to amaze. The Creator of the universe stepped out of His kingdom to become one of His own creatures. He could have been born in a palace, but instead, His bed was an animal feed box. And His simple entrance changed the world forever.

Verse: "So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
—Luke 2:6-7

Good Will Toward Men — December 23, 2009

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600

Summary: Should we as Christians boycott retailers that don't outwardly promote Christmas in their stores during the holidays?

Verse: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
—Luke 2:13-14